4 PM UPDATE:
A bomb threat at Finger Lakes Community College this morning led to a major law enforcement response and the arrest of a student. The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office was notified around 9 a.m. by FLCC Campus Police that a student claimed to have a bomb in his backpack while in a classroom with 11 other students.
The student, identified as 19-year-old Nahrie Watts, of Canandaigua, made the threat in the presence of classmates. One student safely exited the room and reported the statement to campus security. Campus Police immediately began evacuating the building and relocating students and staff to safe areas. A campus officer stationed outside the classroom detained Watts as he exited.
Watts was taken into custody by Ontario County Sheriff’s Deputies, who led the investigation with support from New York State Police. Law enforcement conducted interviews with witnesses and coordinated a thorough search of the facility using K-9 units trained in nitrate detection. Agencies involved included the sheriff’s offices of Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, Livingston, the NYSP K-9 unit, the Monroe County Bomb Squad, and the FBI.
The building was ultimately cleared and declared safe at approximately 1 p.m. No explosives were found, and no injuries were reported.
Watts was arrested and charged with Falsely Reporting an Incident in the First Degree, a Class D violent felony. He is currently being held at the Ontario County Jail awaiting arraignment in CAP Court.
Sheriff David Cirencione praised the swift action of the responding agencies, the bravery of the student who reported the threat, and the professionalism of the campus police. “Today’s event could have been much worse,” said Cirencione. “I am thankful that our community remains safe. My advice to anyone out there who has any fear of threats such as this — is if you see something, say something.”
Anyone with additional information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office at 585-394-4560 or use the “Submit a Tip” feature on the department’s app.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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11:30 AM UPDATE: The main campus of Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua was evacuated this morning following a bomb threat. One individual is currently in police custody. As a precaution, the college has canceled all classes and activities at the main campus for the remainder of the day to allow for a thorough building search and ongoing police investigation.
At this time, no one is permitted to enter the building. Individuals who already have their personal belongings are allowed to leave the area.
Students and employees in need of assistance are being directed to the Suites at Laker Landing.
Finger Lakes Community College has evacuated its main campus in Canandaigua due to an ongoing police investigation.
From the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office:
“There is a police investigation at the Finger Lakes Community College campus. All students and faculty are safe at this time. The investigation is ongoing, and the campus is closed to the public. The Sheriff’s Office teams are working diligently to ensure that the rest of the campus is clear and safe to reenter.”
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